Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8636 asking

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8636 asking

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8600 Prayer and worship of the believer » 8636 asking

The act of making requests of another, as an expression of dependence. Scripture encourages believers to ask things of God in prayer, and gives guidance concerning the motivation in doing so.

Asking as an aspect of human relationships

Examples of everyday requests

Joshua 4:20-22; Ecclesiastes 7:10; 1 Peter 3:15 See also Exodus 3:22; Deuteronomy 32:7; 1 Samuel 12:19 The people asked for a king; 2 Kings 2:3; Nehemiah 2:1-2; Daniel 2:10-11; Matthew 2:1-2 the Magi seek the king of the Jews; Luke 2:46 Jesus Christ asks questions in the temple; John 4:9; Romans 16:1-2; Galatians 2:9-10; Phm 21

Examples of stronger appeals

Philippians 4:2-3 See also Genesis 50:17; Exodus 5:15; Luke 23:20; Acts 25:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:1

Asking as an aspect of prayer

General petitions

Matthew 7:7-11 pp Luke 11:9-13 Philippians 4:6 See also Deuteronomy 18:16; Judges 6:39; 1 Samuel 1:20; 1 Chronicles 16:4; 2 Chronicles 6:32-33; Job 6:8-9; Psalm 5:3; Proverbs 30:7-8; Matthew 9:37-38; 1 Timothy 2:1

Frequent requests for guidance or insight

2 Samuel 2:1; Ephesians 1:17 See also Genesis 25:21-22; Exodus 33:7; Joshua 9:14; 1 Samuel 23:1-2; 2 Kings 8:7-8; 1 Chronicles 21:29-30; 2 Chronicles 20:3; Isaiah 58:2; Jeremiah 10:21; Colossians 1:9; James 1:5

The grounds for asking

According to God's will

1 John 5:14-15

Trusting in God's great mercy

See also Daniel 9:18

In the name of Jesus Christ

John 14:13 See also John 16:23-27

In faith

Matthew 21:22 pp Mark 11:24 James 1:6